Clifton Rangers 2 Silsden Development 1

A HEATED encounter saw Clifton come from behind to defeat the Cobbydalers.

Centre backs Kourtnai Broughton, who won the match point, and Jordan Whiteley looked solid for Silsden in what was a tight first half.

Chances went begging for both sides, Clifton almost taking the lead after 37 minutes with a well-struck free-kick. It looked a goal all the way but stand-in keeper Megan Robson-Owens produced a fantastic save, tipping the ball over.

Silsden came out the stronger in the second half and took the lead in the 49th minute with a well-delivered corner which was cleverly back-heeled into net by Chloe Greenwood.

However, the lead lasted just two minutes when Clifton countered quickly and equalised when a shot across the face of goal sneaked into the far corner of the net.

Silsden brought Robson-Owens out of goal in a swap with defender Lauren Murgatroyd in a bid to open up Clifton's defence. The Cobbydalers came close when four attempts at goal from a well-delivered corner should have hit the back of the net but Clifton managed to eventually clear.

Controversial decisions by the referee went Clifton's way and the game was held up for ten minutes as a supporter was sent away from the touchline.

It seemed to take Silsden's mind off the game and Clifton struck the winner in the 68th minute following another counter-attack.

The visitors stepped up a gear but Clifton almost made it three when a powerful shot was saved by Murgatroyd.

The Cobbydalers almost snatched a point in the dying moments but the Clifton keeper made a brilliant save.